Bok Towers

The Singing Tower See what's inside the Tower! Select the part of the tower you'd like to know more about. What is a Carillon? A Carillon is an instrument of at least 23 tuned bells in chromatic series. Cast from bronze, which is composed mainly of copper and tin, and then specially tuned. The bells are “hung dead” meaning that the bells do not swing, only the clappers move. The instrument is fully mechanical (there are no electronics). The carillon art began in the low countries of Belgium and the Netherlands in the 17th century. Today, these countries still have the highest concentrations of carillons. Fun Fact: There are approximately 600 carillons around the world and only about 185 carillons in North America. Imagine if there were only 185 pianos on the whole continent – and we’re lucky enough to have one here! Keyboards The carillon is played using a clavier (keyboard) that allows expressiveness through variation in touch, similar to a piano, using both the hands (in a lightly closed fist) and feet. The keyboard is connected through a series of wires and levers to each clapper which strikes inside of the bell, causing it to ring out. Bells cannot be silenced after they are rung. Most towers also have a practice keyboard, usually identical to the playing keyboard, which is connected to a set of xylophone bars, so that carillonneurs can practice privately, without being heard outside. Learn more about the Carillonneurs of Bok Tower https://www.facebook.com/boktowergardens